NEET 2026 New Application Rules: NTA Introduces Aadhaar Verification, Live Photo & More Changes

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the notification for NEET UG 2026. This time, several major changes have been made to both the examination and the registration process.

👉 Amrita (AEEE) 2026 Applications Open - Apply Now

👉 VITEEE 2026 Applications Open - Apply Now

👉 LPU Applications Open - Apply Now

👉 Chandigarh University Admissions Open - Apply Now

👉 UPES Applications Open - Apply Now

👉 Bennett Applications Open - Apply Now

Rules such as Aadhaar-based eKYC, live photo capture, and multi-level verification have been implemented for the first time. The aim of these changes is to prevent fraud in the examination and make the entire process more transparent.

👉 Also Check - NEET UG 2026 Registration Open: Check Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply – Full Guide

When Will the NEET UG 2026 Exam Be Held?

According to the notification issued by the NTA, NEET UG 2026 will be conducted on May 3rd. This will be the first Sunday of May. The examination will be held across the country in a single shift from 2 PM to 5 PM. As in previous years, the exam will be conducted in pen and paper mode.

NEET UG 2026 Registration Dates

The online application process for NEET UG 2026 has already begun. Eligible candidates can apply on the official website neet.nta.nic.in. The last date for application is March 8th. It is essential to submit the application and fees on time, otherwise, the form will not be considered valid.

👉 Also Check - Documents Required for NEET UG 2026 Registration

Why Were the NEET UG 2026 Rules Changed

The NTA has clarified that the new rules are aimed at maintaining the integrity of the examination. In recent years, complaints of duplicate registrations, identity discrepancies, and cheating have surfaced. Keeping these in mind, the registration process has been made stricter to ensure that the identity of every candidate is verified correctly.

Aadhaar-Based eKYC Made Mandatory for NEET 2026

Aadhaar-based eKYC has been made mandatory for NEET UG 2026. Students applying must ensure that the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card is active. The NTA has clearly stated that the mobile number linked to Aadhaar must have network connectivity before applying to avoid any problems during verification.

👉 Also Check - NEET UG 2026 Advisory: NTA Issues Instructions for Application Form – Update Aadhaar, UDID Details

Live Photo Capture Introduced for the First Time in NEET UG 2026

Another major change has been made to the NEET UG application this year. Now, candidates will have to capture a live photo while filling out the form. This photo will be taken in real-time, and the candidate's face should occupy at least 80 percent of the frame.

The NTA has advised candidates not to wear caps, glasses, or goggles while taking the photo, so that the photo can be accurately matched with the picture in the Aadhaar database. If a candidate does not have a webcam, the photo can also be uploaded using a mobile camera by scanning a QR code.

This live photo will be directly matched with the picture available in the Aadhaar database. In addition, candidates will also have to upload a passport-size photograph, scanned signature, address proof, and other necessary documents.

What is the NEET UG 2026 Application Fee?

The NEET UG 2026 application fee is determined according to the category. General category candidates will have to pay a fee of Rs. 1700. The fee for General EWS and OBC NCL categories is Rs. 1600. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and Third Gender categories will have to pay Rs. 1000. The application fee for candidates outside India is Rs. 9500.

How will the Exam City and Medium be Decided?

In NEET UG 2026, the exam city will be selected based on the candidate's current and permanent address. The examination center will be allotted according to the information provided in the application form.

The examination will be conducted in a total of 13 languages. These include Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Which Courses Offer Admission Based on NEET UG Score?

The NEET exam is conducted nationwide for admission to undergraduate medical courses. Based on the NEET UG score, admission is given to courses such as MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BVSc and AH, BAMS, BUMS, and BHMS.

--

👉 Read Also - NIRF Ranking 2025: Top Medical Colleges in India

👉 Read Also - NIRF Ranking 2025: Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 

NEET Study Materials